July journeys

Star festival wishes outside pre-school

Legend has it that early July is the clearest night of the year in Tokyo, making the stars most bright and beautiful. The best time to “wish upon a star.” So each child makes a star wish or two and hangs it on a bamboo branch. Our wishes included “wanting to be a mother when I grow up,” “wanting a pet kitten” and “wanting to be friends with Shun forever.” The spirit world, and religiousness, is alive and well in Japan. Everything has a spirit and a presence, from the bubbling spring feeding the river in our neighborhood to the doorway entering a home. 

Last day before summer break!

Respect for these spirits, these presences feels inherent to Japanese culture. Yet, the spirits are often ends in themselves, and wishes hang limply in the air, like faded paper on a crispy dried out bamboo stem cut from the roots. Please pray for us as we use this wishing season to connect our friends to the true Root, the source of all hope and the Maker of the stars.

Join us on our knees:

Cousins!

• Our mom’s open house time is gaining momentum! We’re so excited to have a steady core group of attendees and a strong camaraderie in the women hosting. Please pray for open hearts, healthy hosts (feels like many of our kids get sick right around these open houses, and we don’t think its a coincidence), and courage to speak and live transparently in our community. 
• Our community project is moving forward! Two local churches are dreaming up a partnership to create a new program for moms, kids and families in our city. Please pray for unity among team members, for a shared vision, for committed volunteers, and for God’s glory as we create a safe, welcome space. Our step this month is to gather families from each church willing to commit to hosting the opening event. 
• Ryan’s summer work is going smoothly and safely, and we’re so thankful for the extra work opportunities!  



Elementary school friends reunited!

• Thanks to the astounding generosity of our family, we were able to travel to the US for a quick trip and see some of you, and witness our sweet cousin marry her sweetheart and kindred spirit. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with our home sending church and a handful of cousins.